Bukola Ayinde, Founder, Diary of a special Needs Mum Initiative had the launch of her four books last Sunday, 8th of July, which was also her birthday.

Her friends and family turned out in large numbers to celebrate this great feat with her.

Opening prayer was said by AVM Femi Gbadebo, Founder, Benola Organisation, Opening address by Dotun Akande of Patrick Speech and Languages. The first review was done by a six year old girl, Uyi Uwumarogie, a pupil of New Hall Nursery and Primary School. While the second was done by Dr. Ogechi Adeola,a member of the faculty at Lagos Business School. The third book review was done by Ifeanyi Omeni, an author and editor. While the last book review was done by Feyi Olubodun, MD, Insight Communication.

There was also a five-man panel who spoke about ‘Disability and Inclusion’ in Nigeria. The panel consisted of: The author, Bukola Ayinde, Tobiloba Ajayi,Founder, Let Cp Kids Learn; Folusho Liasu, Founder, Super Parents (of children with disabilities), Bisola Babatude-Idowu, owner, Great Expectation Inclusive School and Korede Oladejo, Kabworld Physiotherapy.

The books were unveiled by Rufai Yusuf Ahmad, National President, Nigeria Society of Physiotherapists.

According to the author one of the major problems that people with disability face in Nigeria is stigmatization. This is mainly due to the wrong information that has been passed from one generation to another that children with disabilities are from strange worlds and therefore evil. Bukola hopes with these books, the younger generation will read them and understand that disabilities are medical conditions. She also hopes that children that read the book would grow up to become law makers, ministers in different sectors of the country, president, teachers, disability advocate who will fight for the rights of people living with disabilities.

My Name is Nimi – Is a story about the author’s five years old daughter, Oluwalonimi, who has cerebral palsy. It is a story told in her voice. She tells her friends why she is sitting on a wheelchair and why she cannot do things like them. She also tells her friends the things that she can do just like them. It ends with Nimi asking the reader the question, ‘will you be my friend?’

My Name is Nimi (colouring book)- The story of Nimi has a colouring book for younger children. With short sentences telling the story about Nimi with simple words.

My Sister is Special– The story was inspired by the author’s second daughter, who couldn’t understand the reason Nimi was getting most of the attention at home. The story helps children to appreciate their lives and to know that the grass is not always greener on the other side. It also tells parents to give attention to other children while caring for a special needs child.

Peter is different-Ten year old Jude has a new classmate, Peter who looks different from everyone else. This story was inspired by the persistent discrimination faced by children with disabilities in mainstream schools in Nigeria. The author showed how giving students the right information about disabilities could foster love and acceptance. The book also answered the question, who are the true bullies in a mainstream school? Is it the pupils, teachers, school owners or parents of pupils in the school? Find out the answers to these questions and more.

The books are available in bookshops in Lagos: Glendora Bookshop, City Mall Ikeja, Bookworm Bookshop at Illupeju, by Oshodi Apapa Expway, Ebano supermarket, chevon road.